cattails

Cattails are a group of flowering plants in the genus Typha, commonly found in wetlands, along pond and lake shores, and in marshy areas worldwide. They are perennial, emergent herbs characterized by long, flat, swordlike leaves and distinctive cylindrical inflorescences. The familiar cattail appearance comes from the yellow-brown flower spikes, often with a male portion above a female portion, which later develop into the dense brown seed heads that persist into winter.

Description and taxonomy: Typha species are rhizomatous perennials. Tall stalks rise from creeping subterranean stems, with leaves usually 1 to several meters long. The flowering stalk bears a compact spadix, with a fluffy beginning that releases pollen and a dense tail that forms seeds after pollination. Common species include Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail) and Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail); a hybrid, Typha × glauca, is invasive in parts of North America.

Habitat and ecology: Cattails tolerate nutrient-rich and variable water depths, thriving in damp ditches, wetlands, and shallow shores. They provide habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and aquatic invertebrates, and can improve water quality through nutrient uptake. In some regions, however, aggressive cattail stands or hybrids can displace native vegetation and reduce biodiversity.

Uses and management: Humans have used cattails for food, crafts, and traditional medicine. Rhizomes are starchy and edible when prepared, and pollen can be used as a flour substitute in some traditional practices. In natural and managed wetlands, cattails are sometimes controlled to preserve species diversity, using mowing, water management, or, in some cases, chemical treatments.